Here's What It's Like to Be in the Coles Graduate Program, According to Skye

This is a great way to kickstart your career.

This article is presented in partnership with Coles.

Graduate programs are a huge leg up into the workforce. We chatted with Skye Smith, who applied for the Coles Graduate Program and had invaluable experiences managing stores and a whole team.

She had some really good advice on how to apply, get ready for the program, and how to get the most out of it.

In applying for the program, Skye said it’s always best to put yourself forward.

“It may sound cliche but be yourself, planning and preparing is good in theory but during the process, the majority of questions asked will be about you and your experience. Take the time to think about your previous experience and align that with how it could contribute to the business.”

She reckons you should try and showcase your skills, because that’s going to give you a huge headstart in the application process.

“Take leadership & display problem solving skills,” she said, “this is key during the process and will come natural to the future graduates”.

But what do you actually get to do when you’re successful? Well, there’s a whole lot of opportunities on offer.

Skye said one of the most rewarding aspects was getting to be a leader and managing a team.

“I was given the opportunity to manage the profile store in Victoria, also known as Tooronga First Choice, in which I stepped in as an Assistant Store Manager and was given the opportunity to manage the team and run the store while the Store Manager was out doing relief.”

Skye was really proud to see some awesome results quickly.

“We managed to turn around our KPI’s within the first 2 weeks and maintained the results consistently for the following weeks of store placement.”

If managing a store for the first time is giving you major nerves – don’t worry.  Skye also said she was supported the whole way.

“One of the biggest opportunities you gain from the program is the networking side of the business, in a nutshell, what support isn’t given to you?”

Skye’s network grew in a huge way, and she was able to access constant support from all levels.

“You have a line manager, you have your buddies, you have your peers, and you have an extensive network that you manage to build along the way which is very beneficial in store time. At any time, I was able to reach out to those I need to contact and generally get a response back within a couple minutes”

She said she was really benefited by the huge amount of support available.

This all might sound great, or you could be thinking you’d love a similar, but different experience.

Don’t stress – Skye loved that in the Coles Graduate Program, you have the ability to take the opportunities that work for you, and make it your own experience.

“I’d say the flexibility you have to mould the program to your expectations. If you feel as if you need something more, then all you need to do is ask and those who need to approve it are generally on board as long as you can explain your reasoning.”

So really – there’s no downside. The Coles Graduate Program is a great way to enter the world of work and get a leg up on kickstarting your career.